Tenofovir

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (te noe' fo veer)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Tenofovir is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Tenofovir is also used to treat chronic (long term) HBV in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Tenofovir is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by decreasing the amount of HIV and HBV in the blood. Although tenofovir will not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other life-style changes may decrease the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to other people. Tenofovir will not cure hepatitis B and may not prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Tenofovir may not prevent the spread of hepatitis B to other people.


How should this medicine be used?

Tenofovir comes as a tablet and as an oral powder to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken with or without food once daily. The powder is usually taken with food once daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tenofovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Tenofovir oral powder must be added to 2 to 4 ounces of soft food such as applesauce, baby food, or yogurt. Stir the mixture with a spoon until well mixed. Consume the mixture right away to avoid a bitter taste. Do not mix tenofovir oral powder with liquid.

Continue to take tenofovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tenofovir without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking tenofovir,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tenofovir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tenofovir tablets or oral powder. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene, Vitasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and valganciclovir (Valcyte); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); gentamicin; other medications for HIV or AIDS including atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz), darunavir (Prezista, in Prezcobix), didanosine (Videx), and lopinavir/ritonavir (in Kaletra). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, HIV, bone problems including osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) or bone fractures, or kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking tenofovir, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking tenofovir.
  • you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your upper back, neck (''buffalo hump''), breasts, and around your stomach. You may notice a loss of body fat from your face, legs, and arms.
  • you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections. If you have new or worsening symptoms during your treatment with tenofovir, be sure to tell your doctor.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Tenofovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • depression
  • rash
  • itching
  • fever
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • gas
  • weight loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately.
  • decreased urination
  • ongoing or worsening bone pain
  • pain in the in the arms, hands, feet, or legs

Tenofovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • Direct Acting Antivirals
  • Antivirals for Systemic Use
  • Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inducers
  • Antiinfectives for Systemic Use
Prescribed Tenofovir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 2 year...
Weight :287.2123
Structure Tenofovir
Generic Drug Tenofovir prescribed Tenofovir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 2 year...
Formula

C9H14N5O4P

Tenofovir has 4 Brands listed


Tavin (300 mg)Tenof (300 mg)
Tentide (300 mg)Tenvir (300 mg)

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